North Northamptonshire Council considers new PSPO

North Northamptonshire Council is proposing introducing fines of up to £1,000 for people who let their dogs off leads on footpaths and in certain parks.

Under the new proposed public space protection order (PSPO), it would be illegal for those in charge of dogs to:

• not to remove dog faeces from public land.
• let dogs off the lead in certain parks, footpaths, car parks, and cemeteries.
• allow dogs into play areas and some parks.

The council has listed 92 publicly accessible areas where the PSPO could apply to. There could be £100 fixed penalty notices for breaches or, if escalated, could be fined up to £1,000 in magistrates’ courts.

However, the proposed PSPO does not suggest a ban on walking more than four dogs, which follows a backlash when the rule was introduced in parts of west Northamptonshire last year.

Councillors will vote on whether to launch a public consultation on the plan.

Councillor David Brackenbury, the Conservative Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “A key part of this process will be seeking views from as many people and groups as possible to ensure we have the right PSPO in place.”

If approved, North Northamptonshire Council’s consultation would be launched in June.